Ever have a problem when it comes to the lighting in your home, and how it just may not make sense in some instances? For example, having a stairwell that you have to climb to go to bed, but only having a switch either at the foot or top of the stairs. How are you supposed to turn the light off after you’ve climbed up when it’s located at the bottom? But then how are you supposed to get to the top of the stairs where the switch is when it’s too dark to see where you’re going? A simple 3 way switch is of course the answer.
These are useful switches that enable you to actually control the lighting from two different places, to make it a lot more convenient for you to set up when and where it turns on and off. That way, you can install a switch at the top and bottom of the stairs, to make for a really easy way that you can turn the lights on and off again. You’ll find that this isn’t always easy however, and requires a lot of work and know how on your part if you want to do it properly.
How does a 3 way switch work exactly?
You’re going to find that they have one major purpose, and it is to be able to control one light from two different consoles. This way, you’re able to control the lighting in one area of your home from two different places, like both the foot and top of the stairs. This is due to a complicated wiring system through which the circuit is completed by both switches simultaneously, but where it can also be cut by one switch or the other as well. Most typically these need to be wired on opposite sides of a room with the light in the middle, as the easiest way that you can set up a system.
Is this something that you can install on your own?
You’re going to find that this is probably not something that you want to attempt on your own because it requires some pretty advanced and complicated wiring techniques. That’s actually why it’s usually going to be best left to the professionals like an electrician. You have to install a pretty complicated fuse in order to control the way that the system is made to work in unison, and that can be a huge hassle to try and figure out really.
That’s because there are several wires that need to be attached to both switches, so that they can actually control their portion of the circuit. But then you also have to install wires oh the actual light itself, so that he fixture is going to be able to respond in either scenario. While it may sound pretty simple hooking up two switches to control the state of a light, it’s actually really not, so unless you have an advanced level of understanding when it comes to home wiring, this is probably better left to somebody who does even if it is going to cost you that little bit extra.
Changing out a 3 way switch
This is something that you probably can do however, and it’s going to be simple enough that almost anybody can attempt it. If you find that your switch is no longer working, and you want to swap them out it’s really as simple as swapping the individual switch and reattaching all of your wires. That should enable you to replace the switch and get it working again, without having to worry about anything with regards to your actual lighting.
Buying all the tools you’ll need
It’s pretty easy for you to get your hands on everything that you’re going to need when it comes time to swap out your 3 way switch. You’ll find that stores like Home Depot and Lowes which are industrial experts are going to have everything that you want with regards to the essential tools you require to do the project. There you can find everything including switches, wires, and electrical tape even. That way you can outfit yourself with everything that’s going to be required for you to get the job done.